New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association (NZALPA) and Massey University School of Aviation, in a report entitled: ‘Pilot Progression in New Zealand’, stated (08-Jan-2019) the country’s approach to pilot training and career progression “needs a shake up” to meet increased demand and continue to significantly contribute to the New Zealand economy. According to the report, many New Zealand Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL) graduates abandoned piloting due to inability to gain entry level positions needed to increase flight hours required by airline pilot positions. “The overall number of professional pilots in New Zealand is about the same as it was 20 years ago”, said NZALPA president Tim Robinson, despite more pilots being trained in response to industry demand. Mr Robinson noted around one third of report respondents found work experience overseas, adding the most “successful path to employment” is now flight instructing, with experienced instructors being “quickly snapped up by the airlines”.